Let’s face it, cats are curious, adorably playful, and sometimes a tad mischievous, which means they can get themselves into some sticky situations. Being prepared for a cat emergency and knowing how to administer pet first aid can keep a minor injury from escalating into something major.
In honor of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, the team at Cat Care of Vinings has put together some helpful information for the pet families in our community.
Recognizing a Veterinary Emergency
Contact us or the nearest emergency center if your cat is experiencing the following:
Labored breathingSeizuresLoss of consciousnessA known trauma (such as being attacked by another animal) Significant bleedingSudden paralysisInability to pee or poopKnown ingestion of a toxinExcessive vomiting or diarrhea Uncontrollable coughingDifficulty delivering kittens
Pet First Aid Kits
A pet first aid kit is a great resource to have on hand so you can administer immediate help until you get your pet to the veterinarian.
Keep the following items in a plastic tote marked “pet first aid kit:”
Emergency Contact Names and Numbers
Your pet’s veterinarianThe nearest 24-hour emergency hospitalASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Medical Supplies
Soft towels/blankets to keep your pet warm. These can also be used to move a cat that is unable to walk. Latex-free disposable gloves to protect you and your cat from contaminationBlunt-tipped scissors for trimming away fur and for cutting gauze and tapeTweezers (for foreign object removal)Over-the-counter antibiotic ointmentAlcohol wipesSterile saline solution to clean out woundsStyptic powder to help stop mild bleedingEye washGauze pads, bandage tape, or self-cling bandage wrap made for pets (Never use human Band-Aids® or similar products on your cat.)Plastic dropper or bulb syringe for flushing wounds or administering fluids
Helpful Medications
Keep the following medications in your pet first aid kit in case your cat ingests something toxic, but NEVER use these medications without permission from a veterinarian:
Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomitingMilk of magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison in your cat’s stomachBenadryl to treat severe allergic reactions
Learn Pet CPR
In the event that a pet stops breathing, contact us or the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. We will walk you through how to perform life-saving measures until you can transport your cat to a hospital.
Information about pet CPR is available on the following websites:
The American Red Cross
The ASPCA
PETMD.com
Make Good Health a Top Priority
Don’t wait for an emergency to take your cat to the vet. Prevention is the best protection against serious illnesses that can result in medical emergencies. Be sure to stay on top of your cat’s routine wellness and preventive care visits.
Please contact us for more emergency preparedness tips or to schedule an appointment at our cats only practice.
